Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what discussions she is having with Cabinet colleagues on establishing youth services to help de-escalate levels of anti-social behaviour in communities.

The Government is committed to tackling and preventing anti-social behaviour (ASB). The Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 provides flexible powers to authorities in local areas to deal with anti-social behaviour.

The powers are deliberately local and it is for Chief Constables and Police and Crime Commissioners, as operational leaders and elected local representatives, to decide how best to respond to local crime and anti-social behaviour priorities.

The legislation contains safeguards to protect children and young people. In addition, Home Office guidance supports local agencies to work together and take a proportionate approach to anti-social behaviour that takes account of the needs of the victim, the perpetrator and wider community. This includes good practice on supporting young people to prevent anti-social behaviour escalating.